Hands On January 2011

Motorola AX7000XE

Emergency communications must be delivered over reliable networks, with reliable equipment, to reliable people. The new Motorola AX7000XE takes what may have been the weakest link in the communications chain—the field portable radio—and makes it a strength that’s rarely seen. Having had many a radio shatter into pieces myself when dropped down a flight of stairs, I was impressed when this Motorola product demonstration began by the sales rep throwing the AX7000XE across the parking lot. I could hear the test count transmission as it skidded and bounced along the ground. And the audio quality in this handheld unit was enhanced by Motorola’s engineers to be loud and clear in the noisy environment of a rescue scene. The radio controls were also designed to operate with a gloved hand, and the top display is large enough to see without removing it from your belt.
VITALS
Size: 6.9 x 3.3"x 2.1"
Weight: 21.9 oz.
Run Time: 10–12 hrs
Call for pricing
888/325-9336

Less Stress Instructional ServicesTraining Center Manager, Training Center Suite, TC Webservices and Training Center Instructor

The tasks involved with the operation of an EMS training center can be daunting. Classes must be publicized, registrations taken, payments processed, instructors assigned, rosters generated, cards issued, quality tracked and records maintained. If you run a large training center, each of these duties can be a full-time commitment. Less Stress Instructional Services offers several shareware and freeware software packages, which incorporate all these duties and more. Classes are publicized on the Internet with a customer-friendly interface for class registration. Employees can also register those who call in, and a confirmation e-mail is automatically sent to the student. On the day of the class, the instructor can access the database to print the class roster, enter grades and then print the cards or certificates for a wide variety of certifying agencies. Training Center Manager, Training Center Suite, TC Webservices and Training Center Instructor all work to manage these tasks.
VITALS
Pricing: Training Center Manager: $249
Training Center Suite: $449
TC Webservices: $50 per month Training Center
Instructor: Free
www.trainingcentermanager.com
888/277-3671

The LensPen HunterPro

The number of optics being used in EMS continues to increase. Binoculars have been used for decades to identify hazardous material placards, but now many units use digital cameras, thermal imagers, infrared cameras and onboard video systems. Each of these items has a lens that needs to be kept clean, and wiping it with a shirt sleeve is one of the fastest ways to scratch their optics. The new HunterPro kit from LensPen enables you to properly care for these devices and ensure you take high-quality images. The LensPen comes in two sizes and includes a retractable brush to clear dust and dirt. It also comes with a cleaning element to polish the lens.
VITALS
Case Dimensions: 6" x 3.5" x 2"
Weight: 3.4 oz.
Price: $34.95
www.lenspen.com
877/608-0868

PowerArc VOLT

You really have to look hard these days to find a new lightbar that doesn’t use LED technology. LEDs use less power, don’t burn out and are bright. But the one thing that most LED emergency lighting systems don’t do is move; they just flash. This subtle change from “the old days” results in reduced “sweeping” coverage for intersections and conditions for which the vehicle isn’t at right angles to the traffic. The new VOLT, which stands for “versatile optical lighting technology,” light module and light bars from PowerArc provide for a wide range of visibility, flexibility and originality. By using an angled LED light module that oscillates through a 90° arc, approaching motorists can see the scene even when the vehicle is parked diagonally, or as the emergency vehicle approaches an intersection. A variety of area and scene lighting options are available, including Fire Research Corporation LED scene lights, GoLight remote controlled spot lights and DOT marker lights and maintenance is a breeze; if you have a problem with a VOLT motor, a replacement can be popped in seconds.
VITALS
Width: 16.75"–90"
Colors: Red, white, blue, yellow and green
Call for pricing
www.powerarc.net
800/990-8455

iBeam Carbon 14 Tactical Digital Wristwatch

The current EMS generation understands technology all too well. They can text, surf, e-mail and manage social networks all from their cell phones. In fact, many youngsters use their cell phone in place of their watch. But there’s still a reason to wear a watch, especially when it’s this one. The new Carbon 14 Tactical Digital Wristwatch will allow the EMT or paramedic to keep time, as well as multi-task with other available tools. The digital watch functions of chronograph, stopwatch, timer, alarm, chime and backlight are complimented by a built-in, innovative, high-intensity iBeam LED flashlight and a flip-up 3x magnifying lens, which doubles as a means to protect the watch face. The iBeam is an always handy backup light that allows you to quickly check pupil response and find that missing item in the bottom of the jump kit. The 3x magnifying lens is handy to read fine print or start a signal fire if your ambulance gets stranded on a desert island. Tools, Time & iBeam The current EMS generation understands technology all too well. They can text, surf, e-mail and manage social networks all from their cell phones. In fact, many youngsters use their cell phone in place of their watch. But there’s still a reason to wear a watch, especially when it’s this one. The new Carbon 14 Tactical Digital Wristwatch will allow the EMT or paramedic to keep time, as well as multi-task with other available tools. The digital watch functions of chronograph, stopwatch, timer, alarm, chime and backlight are complimented by a built-in, innovative, high-intensity iBeam LED flashlight and a flip-up 3x magnifying lens, which doubles as a means to protect the watch face. The iBeam is an always handy backup light that allows you to quickly check pupil response and find that missing item in the bottom of the jump kit. The 3x magnifying lens is handy to read fine print or start a signal fire if your ambulance gets stranded on a desert island.
VITALS
Weight: 2 oz.
Case Width: 42 mm
Case Depth: 18 mm
Colors: Black, red/black and white
Price: $69
www.c14time.com
888/577-3214

5.11 Tactical Sidekick Rescue Tool

Manufacturers continue to add EMS-specific features to traditional tools, which enhance their versatility for emergency personnel. The new multi-function Sidekick Rescue Tool from 5.11 Tactical combines a steel-cutting blade, belt cutter and oxygen key in one convenient tool by award-winning knife designer, Mike Vellekamp. The thin but strong 4-mm-blade thickness makes this a lightweight knife that can be securely carried on your belt, on webbing, strapped to your boot or carried on a breakaway chain around your neck.
VITALS
Weight: 3.8 oz.
Length: 6"
Color: Black
Price: $44.99
www.511tactical.com
866/451-1726